Tui Pea Luva

Book Author Mele Tonga-Grant
Rights Available World

Tui Pea Luva, meaning weave then gift, is the heartfelt offering of strength, memories and love gifted down from mothers, sisters and aunts. Each poem is a delicate weaving of wisdom and a celebration of the timeless bond of family, the beauty of female resilience and a tribute to its enduring legacy.

This poetry collection celebrates the resilience and wisdom of Pasifika women—mothers, sisters, and aunts—highlighting their pivotal role in sustaining family and cultural bonds. Through intergenerational storytelling, the book honours the sharing of values and love across generations, making it a meaningful resource for educators and community leaders to discuss cultural heritage. With Tongan words and phrases woven throughout, the collection promotes cultural understanding, inclusion, and appreciation of Pacific Islander identities.

About the Author

Mele Tonga-Grant is a New Zealand-born Tongan writer and creative from Te Awa Kairangi, Aotearoa. Raised in a family culturally grounded in Tongan arts, Mele is passionate about preserving and celebrating her heritage. With a background in library services, she enjoyed conducting preschool storytime sessions and translating Tongan language picture books to share stories of her culture with younger generations.

Her debut poetry collection, Tui Pea Luva, features 48 original poems inspired by eight influential women in her life, weaving together themes of resilience, wisdom, and identity. Mele’s work highlights the importance of intergenerational storytelling and the enduring strength of Pasifika women.